Digitalization and AI readiness as drivers of economic resilience in Angola

Abstract

This article analyzes how digitalization and readiness to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools influence the economic resilience of businesses in Angola. It assumes that the Angolan entrepreneurial ecosystem combines strong adaptive capacity with structural constraints such as informality, financing difficulties, fiscal pressure, insufficient institutional support, and unequal access to digital skills. Methodologically, the study uses a quantitative, descriptive, and explanatory approach, drawing on an online survey conducted between March 23 and April 26, 2026, using non-probability snowball sampling. The final database included 684 valid responses, analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, Spearman correlations, association tests, mean comparisons, and multiple linear regression. The findings show high use of basic digital tools, particularly digital payments, WhatsApp, and social networks, as well as expressive familiarity with AI. Digitalization and AI readiness are positively associated with economic resilience, but the regression model indicates that declared AI use alone does not explain resilience; its effect depends on technological readiness, effective digitalization, digital competence, and formalization. The article concludes that AI may support new growth models if integrated into a broader strategy of digital capability building, gradual formalization, financial inclusion, and institutional strengthening.